We lift up this legal matter before the Lord, knowing that He is the ultimate Judge and Defender of the fatherless. It is clear that your loved one has been a steadfast and loving father, prioritizing the well-being of his children above all else, and we commend him for placing God first in his life and family. The Scriptures remind us in **Proverbs 22:6**, *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* Your loved one’s commitment to raising his children in godliness is a testament to his faithfulness, and we trust that God will honor his devotion.
Yet we must also acknowledge the sobering reality of this situation. The mother’s motives appear to be driven by selfish gain rather than the children’s best interests. **1 Timothy 5:8** tells us, *"But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."* While this verse speaks to provision, it also underscores the responsibility of parents to act in the best interest of their children—not for personal advantage. A parent who seeks custody for financial benefit rather than the well-being of the children is acting contrary to God’s design for family. **Proverbs 19:13** warns, *"A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A quarrelsome wife is like constant dripping."* Toxicity and quarrelsome behavior can indeed harm the "fruit" of a family, and we pray that the court will see the truth of this situation.
We also take this moment to encourage your loved one and his wife to remain steadfast in prayer and unity. **Ecclesiastes 4:12** says, *"If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."* Their marriage is a covenant before God, and their united front in this battle is a powerful testimony. Let them continue to seek the Lord together, trusting in His sovereignty over this legal matter.
Now, let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this family and the legal battle they face. Lord, You are the God of justice, and You see the hearts of all involved. We ask that You expose any deceit or selfish motivation in this custody case and grant the judge wisdom and discernment to rule in accordance with Your will. Protect these children, Father, from any influence that would lead them away from Your truth. Strengthen their father and stepmother in their roles as godly caregivers, filling them with Your peace and confidence as they trust in You.
Lord, we rebuked any scheme of the enemy to disrupt this family or to use this situation for harm. **Psalm 37:5-6** declares, *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun."* We claim this promise over this family, asking that Your righteousness and justice prevail. Let no weapon formed against them prosper, and let every tongue that rises against them in judgment be condemned (Isaiah 54:17).
We also pray for the mother of these children. Lord, soften her heart and open her eyes to the truth of her actions. Convict her by Your Holy Spirit if she is acting out of greed or bitterness, and draw her to repentance. May she come to know Your love and the responsibility You’ve placed on parents to nurture their children in Your ways.
Finally, Father, we ask that You prepare your loved one and his wife for whatever outcome You allow. Give them the grace to accept Your will, whether the ruling is in their favor or not, knowing that You work all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28). May their home continue to be a refuge of Your love, and may their children grow to know You deeply.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.